By Bayero Ade
Festus Keyamo, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has criticized the Department of State Services (DSS) for searching passengers’ bags at international airports, calling the practice inefficient and unprofessional.
Speaking on Arise News’ This Morning program, Keyamo argued that the DSS should focus on profiling passengers, particularly those under security scrutiny, rather than physically inspecting their belongings.
“The DSS has no business searching passengers’ bags. Their role is to profile individuals who may be flagged for security reasons,” he stated.
Keyamo also addressed broader issues at airports, including long queues and delays caused by overlapping functions of multiple agencies, such as the DSS, NDLEA, Customs, and Quarantine. He emphasized that customs officials, for example, should concentrate on inspecting imported goods rather than exports.
“These agencies were already in place before we took office, and many of them are not directly under my control. However, we are taking steps to streamline their operations and reduce the burden on travelers,” Keyamo explained.
He highlighted the inefficiencies at Lagos International Airport, where passengers face delays due to a “joint inspection table” where multiple agencies inspect bags one by one. He suggested that agencies like the NDLEA and Customs handle suspicious items or security concerns in private screening rooms rather than conducting public searches, which cause unnecessary congestion.
The minister also emphasized the federal government’s commitment to curbing harassment and corruption at airports. While he acknowledged the importance of security checks, he called for a more coordinated and professional approach to ensure smooth airport operations.
Keyamo reiterated that the DSS should work alongside immigration officers at passport control to monitor passengers and leave physical inspections to agencies specifically tasked with such responsibilities.
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